Governor Paterson

David A. Paterson, Governor

Commissioner Daines

Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner

Health News

May 15, 2008

Governor Paterson Proposes Legislation to Reduce Improper Influence in Drug Prescription

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he has proposed legislation to limit the influence of pharmaceutical manufacturers over prescription decisions. The Governor's bill would ban gifts and payments from drug companies to physicians and other prescribers in excess of $50 per year. The bill would also require practitioners who make presentations at Continuing Medical Education (CME) events to disclose any financial relationship they have with drug companies. In addition, the bill would increase transparency and promote competition among pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by requiring them to disclose information to health plans, doctors and patients.

May 14, 2008

Governor Paterson Proposes Landmark Legislation to Improve Patient Safety

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he has proposed legislation that will dramatically improve patient safety, enhance the state's authority in medical investigation and help to prevent future infection control violations. The Governor's Program Bill will boost the physician disciplinary system and increase the authority of the Department of Health (DOH) in epidemiological investigations while also giving consumers access to more information about physicians, particularly those charged with misconduct.

May 13, 2008

Governor Paterson Announces Legislation to Keep Unsafe Toys Off Shelves

Governor Paterson today announced the submission of legislation to keep dangerous toys and other products out of children's hands. The "Children's Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act of 2008" will protect New York children from unsafe toys and durable juvenile products (such as cribs, car seats, high chairs, playpens or other similar items) that may be available to consumers even after they have been recalled.

May 9, 2008

New York State Department of Health Funds Projects to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections

Seven non-profit health organizations will share in more than $1.2 million in funding for demonstration projects that focus on the prevention of infections acquired in hospitals, the state Department of Health announced today.